Hollywood: The Greatest Showman

Chapter 63: Clear Preferences

Roy couldn't help but take a deep breath, adjusting his thoughts before explaining earnestly, "Thor is a top-tier production. Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures are very confident in this project, and with a wave of their hand, they've allocated a budget of 150 million dollars! 150 million, that's the average investment level for top Hollywood productions nowadays."

As the official agent of the American Actors Guild, Roy mostly handles independent production invitations. Every agent knows that projects with investments over a hundred million dollars are controlled by the top agents of the five major agencies. Other agents hardly ever get access to such resources, let alone a top investment like 150 million—especially for one of the hottest comic book adaptations of the past two years!

"If you manage to nail the audition, you'll be the lead in a top-tier production. You know, in Hollywood, ninety-nine percent of male actors would strip naked and climb into the producer's bed for a chance like this, regardless of whether the producer is a man or a woman!" Roy's vivid metaphor elicited a smile from Renly, which left Roy feeling speechless.

"No, even just the audition opportunity can get your name circulating in the industry," Roy emphasized firmly. "For Hollywood, opportunities are delicate. Sometimes, merely having a top agent, or a top producer, or even an audition opportunity for a top production, is enough to completely change an actor's future."

Renly didn't interrupt Roy impatiently but listened with a constant smile. After Roy finished speaking, Renly spoke up, "I know all that. But I also know what success in the audition implies—" Renly paused, "It implies at least a five or six-picture contract; it implies fully cooperating with Marvel for promotion, leaving almost no room for personal development; it implies being labeled as a commercial actor, a tag that will stick with me throughout."

The most representative example is Chris Evans. Before his breakthrough, he was active in teen comedies, relying on muscle flexing and silly humor. Later, Disney, following their acquisition of Marvel Entertainment, cast him as "Captain America."

At that time, Chris signed a six-picture deal, each film only paying a meager $300,000. Later, as the films became hugely successful, Robert Downey Jr., who played Iron Man, was making $40 million per film. Disney symbolically increased Chris's pay and granted him profit-sharing rights, but compared to Robert, it was a world of difference.

Moreover, "Captain America" became Chris's label for the next six or seven years, completely dominating his career. Not only because his screen image was fixed after the success of the movies but also because of Marvel's contract requirements, actors had to maintain a positive image to cooperate with promotions. In other words, both on and off-screen, their lives were restricted.

In fact, not just Chris, almost all the main actors in the Marvel Cinematic Universe faced similar issues. Even Robert Downey Jr., after his failures outside of Marvel, focused solely on exploring the potential of the "Sherlock Holmes" series, hoping to expand his career.

Marvel giveth, Marvel taketh.

Roy didn't immediately respond but fell into thoughtful silence. "You're not interested in commercial films?" was the only explanation Roy could think of.

From his solid performance in "The Pacific" to the folk music style of "Cleopatra," and his refining of acting skills on Broadway, these details indicated that Renly was an actor who pursued art. He undoubtedly hoped to seek more breakthroughs in his acting skills. Refusing commercial films wouldn't be surprising.

For Hollywood, categorizing actors is crucial. In simple terms, there are art actors and commercial actors. The former mainly work in independent art films, making their way through Hollywood with solid acting skills. The latter mainly work in commercial films, relying on box office appeal and audience affinity to reach the top.

Although commercial film actors often appear in some art films to gain favor, and vice versa, crossing boundaries is extremely difficult. This is one of the reasons why Steven Spielberg holds such a special position in the industry and why Meryl Streep's status is so high.

Two actors can be cited as examples: George Clooney and Scarlett Johansson. George, after the failure of "Batman & Robin," distanced himself from commercial films and focused solely on making art films. Scarlett, after her breakout performances in "Lost in Translation," "Girl with a Pearl Earring," and "Match Point," achieved unparalleled success in commercial films but struggled to win favor in art films.

This is where the importance of agents comes in. Agents have a clear plan for an actor's future—when to take on art films, when to do commercial films to increase exposure, how to select commercial films, and whether to focus on building connections with directors and producers or simply act based on the script.

All of these considerations are crucial, and they're why top agents can negotiate a ten percent share of the actor's earnings.

"But if that's the case, you should consider auditioning even more," Roy said with a professional demeanor. "Not for the sake of audition success but to increase exposure. Only then will you have enough freedom to choose your projects in the future. Otherwise, as a newcomer, with barely any recognition, let alone auditions, what discussions can you have about future roles?"

Aspiring too high is a common flaw among new actors.

"Firstly, if I audition, I'll naturally do my best to win the role, won't I?" Renly's confident response left Roy momentarily speechless. His self-assured attitude was undeniable. Roy couldn't help but smile wryly. "Secondly, I am interested in commercial films. In fact, I think appearing in commercial films could be a wonderful experience. If given the chance, I'll definitely strive for it."

Renly's words were genuine. Commercial films are indeed different, and though they may not heavily test acting skills, Renly believes that the charm and depth an actor brings to a role are independent of the genre. Matt Damon's solid performance in the "Bourne" series and Heath Ledger's legendary portrayal in "The Dark Knight" are testament to this.

Moreover, the rewards of acting in commercial films are entirely different. Imagine being immersed in the magical worlds of "The Lord of the Rings" or "Harry Potter," or the spy world of "007," or the vast universe of "Star Wars." These are experiences that cannot be had in real life, and participating as an actor would undoubtedly be fascinating.

Experiencing different aspects of life is why Renly has always been passionate about the acting profession. So, not only does he not reject it, but he's also eager to try it out.

However, Marvel movies are out of the question, at least for the lead role. Renly knows that once he takes on such a role, he might be stuck with it. If it were a villain role in a Marvel movie, Renly thinks it could be a good proposition.

"I'm just not interested in Thor. But if it were Loki, I'd give it a try," Renly's response nearly left Roy's eyes wide. Giving up the lead role for a supporting role? It might be acceptable for a top actor, but Renly is just a newcomer. This... this is unheard of.

Roy swallowed hard, suddenly unsure of what to say. If Renly rejects commercial films but is willing to audition for Loki's role, if he's proactive but rejects Thor's invitation... "You know, you don't have the bargaining power."

Renly shrugged with a smile, "That's why I chose to decline earlier." Renly knew that such opportunities were indeed rare. It's just not what he wants. "But I really have no interest in playing a superhero. I don't think I have the aura of a superhero." Renly chuckled self-deprecatingly, looking relaxed and content.

Roy finally understood. It wasn't that Renly was too foolish or too arrogant; on the contrary, he was too wise and too experienced. He knew what he wanted, with clear goals and clear preferences. He wouldn't easily compromise, but he wouldn't easily give up either. Such a person, once entering Hollywood, might face a rocky road initially, but given a chance, he could firmly grasp it and shine brightly.

Suddenly, Roy realized, could "The Pacific" be such an opportunity? The audition invitation for "Thor" might be the first sign.

"Phew..." Roy exhaled deeply, reorganizing his thoughts. "Here's what we'll do. I'll bring the script over, and you take it back to read. If you find it interesting and decide to audition, then it's your chance to at least go before the producers and express your interest in playing the role of Loki."

Renly couldn't help but laugh lightly.

"And if you find it interesting, you can give me a call, and I'll handle it with Marvel." Villain roles are better left to agents; otherwise, if the production company's impression of the actor sours, it would be irreversible.